Turnover in DHS cyber office continues, Nicole Dean leaving

Nicole Dean, the director of DHS's National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), announced recently she is leaving government on Jan. 22, according to an email she sent to staff in the National Protection and Programs Directorate's Office of Cybersecurity and Communications obtained by Federal News Radio.

"I have been offered a new opportunity and challenge and have decided it is time to move on," Dean wrote. "Serving as both Director and Deputy Director of NCSD has been the most rewarding position I have ever held and I owe that in part to the continued dedication and support from you. Your hard work, teamwork and an amazing dedication allowed us to advance the mission and garner increased White House and Congressional support."

Sources say Dean has accepted a position with Raytheon. An email to the company seeking more specifics and comments was not immediately returned.

Dean becomes the fourth senior DHS official to announce they are leaving the cyber organization since the summer. NPPD also reorganized its cybersecurity division over the summer.

And now Dean has decided to move to industry. She has been the director of NCSD since October 2008, according to her LinkedIn page.

She has worked for the government since 2004 and previously worked at CSC and served in the Army for eight years.

"I will be taking some time off before transitioning to my new role and look forward to spending that time with my family," Dean wrote. "The Cybersecurity and Communications leadership will be in touch with news about my replacement soon."

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.